Our History

2001

Nancy Heil’s vision. In the late 1990’s, then-Westminster Mayor Nancy Heil had a vision. With charitable assistance in Westminster often divided according to county lines, Heil saw the value in creating an organization that could provide charitable support to the entire City of Westminster. Mayor Heil and a dedicated group of volunteers formed the Westminster Legacy Foundation in 2001 to support programs and projects that strengthen and enhance the Westminster community and our residents.

2008

Armed Forces Tribute Garden. The Westminster Legacy Foundation worked with the community to contribute $178,000 to the City of Westminster for the Armed Forces Tribute Garden, dedicated to those who serve our country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. The Tribute Garden is an enduring place of respect that pays tribute to the commitment and patriotism of members of the armed forces, past, present, and future. Engraved bricks honor those who have served in the past or who currently serve.

2013

Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park. The Westminster Legacy Foundation worked with the community to create $130,000 for the construction of Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park, created to honor 10-year-old Westminster resident Jessica Ridgeway, who was tragically kidnapped and killed while walking to school. The purple park reflects Jessica’s love of purple and the community’s love of Jessica.

2017

Until 2017, the work of the foundation was carried out by dedicated, hard-working volunteers. Ready to make a more meaningful impact in the community, the foundation’s board members decided in 2016 that it was time to hire a staff person to move the foundation’s goals forward. The foundation board had conversations with the city to forge an agreement to jointly fund the desired position. The city council and the foundation’s board of directors executed an intergovernmental agreement in October 2016 which spelled out the cost-sharing approach and provided office space for the new full-time person. The foundation hired its first full-time staff person in 2017.

Please enjoy the video below that celebrates the work of the foundation and its impact on the community!